What is Acupuncture?
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As a licensed acupuncturist, and blogger on the subject, I probably should have publicly answered this question some time ago. It has recently come to my attention that while many people enjoy the profound benefits of acupuncture in blissful ignorance of its how’s and why’s, there is another camp with rising curiosity on what it all means. As my Danish host-mother always used to say in reference to my consistently belated holiday cards: “Bedre sent end aldrig!” (Better late than never).
It is official, winter has begun in New York City. With a snowstorm leaving several inches of white powder on the city streets this morning, it reminds me of the wonder of this sometimes chilling season. Growing up in Minnesota, snow and cold temperature are no news to me. But still, the first snowfall of the year leaves me feeling full of awe and wonder…it is a magical experience.
In Chinese medicine, winter applies to the Water Element in 5-element theory. Although it comes in the form of snow and ice, water is truly an abundant part of the winter landscape. When transcribed to the human body, the kidneys and urinary bladder are responsible for water metabolism (both energetically and physically) and are a pivotal part of the Water element. Yin and Yang are interdependent forces prevalent in all aspects of life, but winter is rooted in a strong sense of yin. In this regard, yin can be understood through the cool and still nature of the season. A teacher of mine once explained the water element as the bottom bedrock on the ocean floor – the deep, dark, solid root of something so powerful and majestic. I like to translate this metaphor to the body, with representation to the powerful root to within each of us – our individual potential.
During winter, the land is frozen and there is no growth or harvest. That which is leftover from the fall becomes nourishment for the winter. Canned vegetables, sauced apples, gourds, squashes and meats for hearty stews are important for building the root aspect in ourselves. There are plenty of herbs and teas for nourishing the kidneys during this time, and depending on individual constitution will depend on the formula focus. Even if you are feeling healthy, the beginning of winter can be a great to time for visiting your acupuncturist to help guide your body into the energetics of the season and promote tonification.
You know when your using the bathroom at your friend’s house-warming party and it is just so tempting to peek in one of her/his drawers, or slide open the medicine cabinet, just to see what’s there – not because you are “snooping” per say, but just…curious? Well, there is no need to hold your breath with curiosity anymore because I am bringing my favorite medicine cabinet “secrets” into the open. Having spent the last ten years of my life traveling and studying herbal medicine, I have collected quite the arsenal of natural remedies. The medicine cabinet in my Manhattan apartment may be quite different from most Americans: filled with all sorts of herbal pills, tablets, syrups & powders.
Themocracy